Music
Chris Antonik
The Redstone Room
Friday, May 19, 8 p.m.
On May 19, Davenport’s Redstone Room hosts an evening with Canadian singer/songwriter and guitarist Chris Antonik, who performs in support of his recently released third album Monarch. As Antonik’s self-titled debut was released only seven years ago, it’s understandable if you’re not entirely familiar with his name. His preferred genre, however, should be apparent simply by scanning the titles of songs he wrote for Monarch, which include “I’d Burn It All Down (For You),” “A Slip in the Rain,” “You’re Killing My Love,” and “The Art of Letting Go.”
So get ready for a night of goofy, vacuous bubblegum pop, folks!
Kidding. He’s totally a blues artist. And judging by Antonik’s acclaim this decade, quite the blues artist.
The Toronto-based Antonik (pronounced “AN-tah-nick,” not like gin-“an’-TONic”) grew up listening to legends of blues rock ranging from Muddy Waters to B.B. King to Eric Clapton, and spent his late teens and his 20s playing blues guitar in a series of Canadian cover bands. But the now-40-year-old didn’t begin writing his own material until his early 30s, and his combined gifts for guitar, vocals, music, and lyrics eventually led to 2010’s Chris Antonik, which earned the man a “Best New Artist” nomination at Canada’s 2011 Maple Blues Awards. Must feel great to be named “Best New” anything at the age of 34.
With the artist’s raves including Downbeat magazine writing, “Antonik’s guitar cranks energy in a conscientious, un-rushed, and emotionally convincing manner” and Vintage Guitar magazine saying, “He writes well and plays wonderfully,” the Canadian musician toured for years before the release of his 2013 sophomore outing Better for You. The title may as well have been referring to Antonik’s reviews for the album, which were even better for him than those he amassed in 2010. BlindedBySound.com called it “nothing short of an amazing artistic leap” and “an absolutely topnotch effort in every way.” NewCanadianMusic.ca wrote, “When he coaxes his axe, he can make it sting like a bumblebee, sing like a lark, or weep like a motherless child.” Rustzine.com insisted, “We don’t have to wait for history to tell us if Chris will be regarded in the same class as the truly great blues talents – it’s already self-evident.”
And if more evidence was needed in light of that album, Antonik’s chart-topping success, his numerous festival performances, and his recent tours throughout the US and UK, this past April 7 brought with it Monarch, which CanadianBeats.ca recently called “a perfect balance between catchy and well-crafted” by an artist who “prompts any and every audience member to let down their hair and flick on their lighters in solidarity.” So, apparently, you may wanna bring lighters to Antonik’s Redstone Room concert. Try to keep them away from your hair.
Chris Antonik performs locally with an opening set by the Curtis Hawkins Band, and more information and tickets are available by calling (563)326-1333 or visiting RiverMusicExperience.org.
Music
Diamond Head
Rock Island Brewing Company
Friday, May 19, 9 p.m.
A hearty helping of heavy-metal history will soon be offered at the Rock Island Brewing Company, as the District venue is presenting a May 19 concert with the English musicians of Diamond Head, whose founder and rhythm guitarist Brian Tatler is now in his fifth decade with the group. Just how influential is Tatler? Well, at a 2011 concert headlined by Diamond Head and Metallica, the latter’s drummer and co-founder Lars Ulrich announced to the crowd that there was “a pretty good chance that none of us would be here without him.” So yeah – pretty freakin’ influential.
Formed in 1976 by Tatler and former bandmate Duncan Scott, the four-piece rock outfit Diamond Head played its first gig in 1977 (a 40-minute set of wholly original material), released its first single “Shoot Out the Lights” in 1979, and recorded its debut album Lightning to the Nations in 1980. While those releases were limited in terms of numbers of copies available, there appeared to be nothing limited about the musicians’ hard-driving talents, and they were quickly booked as support for tours with AC/DC and Iron Maiden.
A second album, Borrowed Time, landed in 1982, rose to number 24 on the British charts, and led to a UK tour that included a booking at London’s prestigious Hammersmith Odeon. The arrival of 1983’s Canterbury, meanwhile, coincided with Diamond Head serving as opening act for that year’s Monsters of Rock Festival at Donington, which led to the band supporting Black Sabbath on that group’s Born Again tour of Europe.
As with other musical outfits, a combination of changes in personnel, musical direction, and hopes for the group’s future led to Diamond Head taking a break of several years, not releasing another album until 1993’s Death & Progress, and not releasing another after that until 2005’s All Will Be Revealed.
But in those intervening years, Diamond Head’s legend only grew. Metallica’s musicians were consistently vocal about the band’s influence on their own music, and first invited Diamond Head to open for them in 1992, which the group has frequently done in the decades since. Diamond Head opened for Metallica and Megadeth at England’s famed National Bowl in 1993, and headlined the 25th-anniversary celebration of the NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) at the London Astoria.
And 40 years after the band’s inauspicious beginnings in 1976, Diamond Head released a self-titled 2016 album that reignited not only the passions of heavy-fans worldwide, but of music reviewers who called Diamond Head the group’s best work in several decades. NewNoiseMagazine.com wrote, “Brian Tatler is still the mastermind behind bluesy solos and speed-metal riffs that hook you in,” and “this new album sounds really fresh and young.” Meanwhile, SputnikMusic.com described Diamond Head as “one of the year’s strongest NWOBHM albums,” adding that “Brian Tatler might have made the most kick-ass return in the history of the arts since Galdalf came back as Galdalf the White.” Now that’s magic.
May 19’s Diamond Head concert features opening sets by Bible of the Devil and Angelust, and for more information and tickets, call (309)793-1999 or visit RIBCO.com.
Theatre
Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook
Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse
Wednesday, May 24, through Saturday, July 8
If you know that Wicked, Pippin, and Godspell all boast scores by composer Stephen Schwartz, you clearly know your musicals. If you know that The Baker’s Wife, The Magic Show, and Captain Louie also boast scores by composer Stephen Schwartz, you may know your musicals a little too well.
In any event, compositions from those six tune-filled entertainments – along with Broadway’s Tony-nominated Working, the off-Broadway hit Children of Eden, and the Disney comedy Enchanted, among others – will sit side by side in the Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse’s Stephen Schwartz celebration Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook, running at the Rock Island theatre May 24 through July 8.
As opposed to many traditional jukebox musicals, Snapshots employs its diverse collection of Schwartz numbers – 26 in all – in service of an original narrative, one that finds married couple Dan and Sue planning to separate after 30 years together. While leafing through a box of old photographs, however, the spouses begin to reminisce, allowing the audience to see the characters also as teens and young adults – and with all three sets of Dans and Noras reliving their romantic history through renditions of both obscure and happily familiar Stephen Schwartz songs.
Directed by Warner Crocker, who previously helmed the comedies Boeing-Boeing and Always a Bridesmaid, Snapshot’s six-person cast finds Circa ’21 veterans Erin Churchill, Anna Segatti, and Autumn Loose sharing the stage with venue newcomers Luther Chakurian, Grant Benedict, and Bobby Cook Gallagher. And with Variety magazine raving about the songs that “are always well worth hearing” and the show’s “redemptive emotional power,” Snapshots is sure to delight fans of musicals – particularly musicals with Schwartz’s name attached.
So how acquainted with the oeuvre are you? Find out by attempting to match the following Snapshots numbers with the musicals in which they originally appeared:
1) “Popular”
2) “Parents’ Day”
3) “Fathers & Sons”
4) “Two’s Company”
5) “Endless Delights”
6) “All for the Best”
7) “No Time at All”
A) The Magic Show
B) Godspell
C) Wicked
D) Pippin
E) Working
F) The Baker’s Wife
G) Children of Eden
For more information on, and tickets to, Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Answers: 1 – C, 2 – G, 3 – E, 4 – A, 5 – F, 6 – B, 7 – D. If that last song title also describes how long it took to successfully complete this quiz, you’re gonna lo-o-ove this show.
What Else Is Happenin’ …?
MUSIC
Thursday, May 11 – Dave Fields. Concert with the New York-based blues-rock singer/guitarist, presented by the Mississippi Valley Blues Society. Frick’s Tap (1402 West Third Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. $8-10. For information, call (563)322-5837 or visit MVBS.org.
Thursday, May 11 – Najee. Two-time Grammy-nominated saxophonist and flautist in concert, presented by the RME and Great Sounds Promotions. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $40-45. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Thursday, May 11 – Jelly Roll. Rap and hip-hop musician performs on his Addiction Kills Tour, featuring opening sets by Lyrikal, Random Tanner & T. Stubbz, Ro & Frosty, B. Hodges, G. Quick, and Jake Coia. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $15. For information, call (309)793-1999 or visit RIBCO.com.
Friday, May 12 – All Sweat Productions: Stevie Wonder B-Day Bash. Quad Cities musicians perform many of the legend’s greatest hits with a full band, featuring an opening tribute to the music of Marvin Gaye. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 9 p.m. $16.50-20. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Saturday, May 13 – Fleetwood Mac Mania! An evening with the pop-rock tribute musicians. Isle of Capri (1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf). 7:30 p.m. For tickets and information, call (800)843-4753 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com.
Saturday, May 13 – Beatles Tribute Rooftop Concert. Outdoor celebration of the Beatles’ classic concert at Apple Headquarters, with Alan Sweet, Bret Dale, Randy Leasman, Nick Vasquez, and Zac Tatum performing on the museum’s roof. Putnam Museum & Science Center (1717 West 12th Street, Davenport). 12:30 p.m. Free, bring lawn chairs. For information, call (563)324-1933 or visit Putnam.org or RiverMusicExperience.org.
Saturday, May 13 – Quad City Wind Ensemble: Heroic Measures. Springtime concert with the area musicians, featuring a repertoire of musical depictions of heroes. St. Ambrose University’s Galvin Fine Arts Center (2101 North Gaines Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $8-10, free for students through 12th grade. For information, visit QCWindEnsemble.org.
Saturday, May 13 – Kevin Mac’s Classic Country Jukebox. Country musician performs hits by Johnny Cash, Hank Williams Sr., George Jones, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, and others. Ohnward Fine Arts Center (1215 East Platt Street, Maquoketa). 7 p.m. $13-25. For tickets and information, call (563)652-9815 or visit OhnwardFineArtsCenter.com.
Sunday, May 14 – RiverBend Bronze Handbell Ensemble. Mother’s Day concert with the area musicians. First Presbyterian Church of Davenport (1702 Iowa Street, Davenport). 4 p.m. Free-will offerings encouraged. For information, call (563)326-1691.
Monday, May 15 – The Lettermen. Annual concerts with the pop musicians in their fifth decade of performance. Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse (1828 Third Avenue, Rock Island). Noon lunch, 1 p.m. show, $51.73; 6 p.m. buffet, 7:15 p.m. show, $58. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Wednesday, May 17, and Thursday, May 18 – How Great Thou Art: The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley. Tribute concert featuring Robert Shaw & the Lonely Street Band. Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse (1828 Third Avenue, Rock Island). May 17 and 18: noon lunch, 1 p.m. show, $46.50. May 17: 6 p.m. buffet, 7:15 p.m. show, $52.25. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Thursday, May 18, and Friday, May 19 – Luke Bryan. Chart-topping country singer/songwriter in concert, featuring opening sets by Brett Eldredge and Adam Craig. iWireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). 7 p.m. $49.75-75. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iWirelessCenter.com.
Friday, May 19 – A Night of Sunshine’s Greatest Hits. Sunshine Ramsey performs a cabaret-style concert featuring a five-piece band, backup singers, and a children’s choir. Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse (1828 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 7 p.m. $20. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Friday, May 19 – Low Cut Connie. Philadelphia-based rockers and guest musicians in a Moeller Nights concert. Triple Crown Whiskey Bar & Raccoon Motel (304 East Third Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $10-15. For tickets and information, visit MoellerNights.com.
Friday, May 19 – Bucktown Revue. Season-ending variety show in the tradition of A Prairie Home Companion, featuring emcee Scott Tunnicliff, area comedians, musicians including the Barley House Band and Milltown, and special guests. Nighswander Theatre (2822 Eastern Avenue, Davenport). 7 p.m. $13 at the door. For information, call (563)940-0508 or visit BucktownRevue.com.
Friday, May 19 – Red Cedar Trio: Brinton Silent Film Project. Classical musicians perform live accompaniment to rare silent films from 1895 to 1910, with historian Michael Zahs discussing the works. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $16-22. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Saturday, May 20 – An Evening with Neil Diamond & Elvis. Steve Richards performs a concert tribute to the music icons. Timber Lake Playhouse (8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll). 7 p.m. $20. For tickets and information, call (815)244-2035 or visit TimberLakePlayhouse.org.
Saturday, May 20 – Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal. Concert with the five-piece soul/funk/R&B band based out of Lincoln, Nebraska, featuring an opening set by Aubs Soul. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $3. For information, call (309)793-1999 or visit RIBCO.com.
Saturday, May 20 – 7 Bridges: The Ultimate Eagles Experience. Tribute concert with the touring Eagles tribute musicians. Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse (1828 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 7 p.m. $25. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Sunday, May 21 – The Corey Kendrick Trio. The pianist and his ensemble perform in Polyrhythms’ Third Sunday Jazz Series, preceded by an all-ages jazz workshop. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 3 p.m. workshop, $5, free for students; 6 p.m. concert, $10-15. For tickets and information, call (309)373-0790 or visit Polyrhythms.org or RiverMusicExperience.org.
Wednesday, May 24 – Justin Townes Earle. Americana and indie-folk concert with the singer/songwriter, featuring an opening set by The Sadies. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $26.50. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
THEATRE
Friday, May 12, through Sunday, May 21 – M*A*S*H. Tim Kelly’s wartime comedy inspired by the book, movie, and TV sitcom, directed by Rae Mary. Playcrafters Barn Theatre (4950 35th Avenue, Moline). Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m. $13. For tickets and information, call (309)762-0330 or visit Playcrafters.com.
Friday, May 12, through Saturday, May 20 – Copenhagen. Dreamwell Theatre presents Michael Frayn’s Tony-winning drama about the relationship between politics and science, directed by Madonna Smith. Public Space One (120 North Dubuque Street, Iowa City). Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m. $10-13. For tickets and information, call (319)423-9820 or visit Dreamwell.com.
Saturday, May 13 – Quad City Playwrights Festival. Annual showcase of 10-minute plays highlighting new works by area playwrights of high-school age and older. Augustana College’s Honkamp Black Box Theatre (3750 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island). 1:30 p.m. Free. For information, call (309)794-7306 or visit Augustana.edu/arts.
Wednesday, May 17 – Rent. Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical smash on its 20th-anniversary tour, in a Broadway at the Adler presentation. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $40.50-68. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
Sunday, May 21 – National Theatre Live: Hedda Gabler. An HD screening of Henrik Ibsen’s classic drama, directed by Tony winner Ivo van Hove. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 3 p.m. $15-18. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
COMEDY
Saturday, May 13 – All You Care to Eat: A Comedy Thingy Live Podcast. Recordings of the first three episodes of a new comedy series performed in the style of a radio play. The Black Box Theatre (1623 Fifth Avenue, Moline). 7:30 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (563)284-2350 or visit TheBlackBoxTheatre.com.
Wednesday, May 24 – Shane Mauss. Standup with the touring comedian seen on Showtime, Comedy Central and the Netflix special Mating Season. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $10. For information, call (309)793-1999 or visit RIBCO.com.
VISUAL ARTS
Friday, May 12, through Friday, June 30 – Stephanie J. Baugh, Karen Blomme, and Matt Moyer. Exhibition of collages by Baugh, mixed-media works by Blomme, and sculpture by Moyer. Quad City Arts Center (1715 Second Avenue, Rock Island). Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. For information, call (309)793-1213 or visit QuadCityArts.com.
Saturday, May 13, and Sunday, May 14 – Spring Beaux Arts Fair. Annual outdoor celebration of fine art and crafts, featuring vendors, live music, food, children’s activities, and more. Figge Art Museum Plaza (225 West Second Street, Davenport). Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. For information, visit BeauxArtsFair.com.
Sunday, May 14, through Sunday, August 20 – 1917: Winning the War with Industry. Exhibit focused on Iowa’s and the Quad Cities’ involvement in “The Great War.” German American Heritage Center (712 West Second Street, Davenport). Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free with $3-5 admission. For information, call (563)322-8844 or visit GAHC.org.
Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21 – Metro Mini Makers Show & Sale: Miniatures from the Heart of the Country. Annual event showcasing dollhouses, room boxes, and other scenes in all scales, with vendors, workshops, and more. Davenport RiverCenter (136 East Third Street, Davenport). Friday 4-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $5, ages 10 and under free. For information, visit RiverCtr.com or MetroMiniMakers.homestead.com.
Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21 – DubuqueFest Fine Arts Festival. Annual outdoor festival in downtown Dubuque featuring arts-and-craft vendors, food, live music, children’s activities, and more. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. For information, visit DubuqueFest.org.
EVENTS
Friday, May 12 – Chippendales. An evening with the Las Vegas-based male exotic dancers. Rhythm City Casino Resort Event Center (7077 Elmore Avenue, Davenport). 8 p.m. $20-35. For tickets and information, call (844)852-4386 or visit RhythmCityCasino.showare.com.
Friday, May 19, and Saturday, May 20 – Bottom’s Up Quad City Burlesque. Evenings with the local performance troupe and area comedians. Circa ’21 Speakeasy (1818 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $18-20. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Saturday, May 20 – St. Ambrose University Wine Festival Tasting. Annual outdoor fundraiser for student scholarships held on the campus lawn. St. Ambrose University (518 West Locust Street, Davenport). 3 p.m. $45-50. For tickets and information, call (563)333-6290 or visit SAU.edu.